The elections for the Port of Astoria Commission positions are controversial this year, mainly because of the way the present commission went about signing a lease with Calpine Corp. for a liquefied natural gas facility on the Skipanon Peninsula.

All three incumbents have filed for re-election, and all attracted challengers.

Hear Daily Astorian reporter Kate Ramsayer interview the candidates here on the Web.

Ballots go out the week of April 29. Voters will mail back their ballots during May and the results will be announced here on The Daily Astorian?s Web site on the evening of May 17. Click on the name of the candidate you would like to hear Quality Position 1 High Low Lawrence Pfund, Gearhart (incumbent) 8.5 mb 3.2 mb Peter Huhtala, Astoria 8.9 mb 3.3 mb

Edward Niemi, Astoria – withdrew from the race

Position 2 Glenn Taggart, Astoria (incumbent) 7.8 mb 2.9 mb Tom Brownson, Astoria 14.2 mb 5.3 mb Position 5 Daniel Hess, Astoria (incumbent) 5 mb 3.3mb John Dunzer, Seaside 12.1 mb 3.3mb Lisa Lamping, Warrenton 8.6 mb 3.3mb Rose Priven, Warrenton 7 mb 3.3mb